Texans owner McNair donates $3 million to HBU football stadium

Now, the Huskies are getting a helping hand from one of Houston’s biggest names in the sport.

Texans owner Bob McNair and his wife, Janice, have given $3 million to HBU in support of construction of the Huskies’ new on-campus football stadium.

“Janice and I believe HBU is one of the leading universities in Christian higher education. We also recognize the values of football and, as such, see this as a worthwhile contribution to continue that excellence,” McNair said in a statement released by the university. “As we’ve seen with the Texans, the sport of football provides a rallying point for the whole community. We see that same dynamic taking shape at HBU and we are proud to be part of it.”

HBU President Robert B. Sloan Jr. said the McNairs have been longtime supporters of HBU.

“We are grateful for their support and generosity,” Sloan said. “This gift will make a significant impact toward our football stadium, as well as to the entire University.”

The McNair’s gift will be used toward building the stadium’s seating, ticketing and press-box areas, which are scheduled to begin construction later this month. Dunham Field, the stadium’s playing surface, was installed last summer.

With an abbreviated schedule, HBU went 3-4 during its inaugural football season. The Huskies played their home games nearby at Strake Jesuit.